Bengal Cattle Traders Gripped By Fear As New Slaughter Rules Empty Cow Markets| Ground Report

markets in the state.

Under the law, only cattle above 14 years of age can be slaughtered — and only after mandatory certification by local authorities and government veterinary surgeons. But traders say there is no clear system to determine the age of cattle or issue these certificates, leaving thousands uncertain about their future.

Farmers and breeders claim sales have collapsed, loans are piling up, and many families dependent on cattle trade are now staring at financial ruin.